Photoblog

We understand that not everyone uses the same social media channels for sharing information. In this page, we highlight some of the messages we have shared with our Facebook fans and Pinterest followers.

National Guide Dog Month

September 30, 2014

We know dogs can’t talk. But as National Guide Dog Month comes to a close, it’s a good time to remind you that if you know someone who is blind or has low vision and receives Social Security benefits, we have a number of services and products specifically designed for him or her, including products in braille. Help us spread the word and share this message.

National Coffee Day

September 29, 2014

As you sit back, relax, and enjoy your #PumpkinSpiceLatté, contemplate the peace of mind you have knowing that Social Security protects you and your family through every stage of life. We are here for you when you plan for and then retire, or if you become disabled and can’t work. We are also here for your family if you should die and they need survivors benefits.

Retiring as a Widow

September 28, 2014

Q: I started getting survivors benefits as a widow at age 60 but I’ve worked enough to get retirement benefits on my own record. What can I do?

A: You can switch to retirement as early as age 62 if your benefit rate is higher than your rate as a widow. In many cases, a widow or widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate.

Stop Fraud

September 27, 2014

Social Security has zero tolerance for fraud. While we cannot prevent all fraud schemes any more than we can stop all crime in our communities, Social Security aggressively investigates and prosecutes those who commit fraud. If you suspect someone is committing fraud, you can remain anonymous while reporting your concern through our online form.

Real people speak about Social Security

September 26, 2014

“I did mine over a year ago, on the sofa while I was watching TV! LOL! Very user friendly site! Started receiving [Retirement Benefits] exactly when they said I would.” – Connie

What are direct deposit and Direct Express?

September 26, 2014

With direct deposit, we deposit your monthly benefit payment directly into your bank account. With Direct Express, your benefit comes in a prepaid debit card. There is no enrollment fee or minimum balance requirement to use the Direct Express card.

If your employer does not withhold Social Security taxes...

September 25, 2014

If you work for an employer who does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary, such as some government agencies or an employer in another country, any pension you get based on that work may reduce your future Social Security benefits.

Turn it up to 11 on your #retirement plan!

September 24, 2014

To have a rocking retirement, you need more than just Social Security. You also need private pensions, savings, and/or investments.

On average, Social Security retirement benefits replace about 40% of your income, and most financial advisors say you’ll need more than 70% of pre-retirement earnings to live comfortably.

Autumn begins today!

September 23, 2014

The new season gives many of us a wonderful opportunity to spend some time watching the landscape turn bright orange, red, and yellow. Add a wool blanket, and home has never felt cozier. So why leave? If you have a Social Security-related question, browse our site of most frequently asked questions. Grab a mug of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte and ask us!

World Alzheimer’s Day

September 21, 2014

We understand the toll Alzheimer’s Disease can take on those afflicted and on their families. We offer expedited processing of disability claims for people with Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease as part of our Compassionate Allowances program.

The Compassionate Allowances program allows us to quickly identify medical conditions that obviously meet disability standards and expedite the payment of monthly benefits.

Name change after a divorce

September 20, 2014

#Divorce can be difficult. Changing your last name back to your maiden name is not. If you changed your name after marriage and are looking to change it back following a divorce, we can make it easy for you.

Real people speak about Social Security

September 19, 2014

“I never even talked to anyone from SS, set everything up myself and my check started going into my checking account right on time and has been correct every month. No hassles whatsoever.” – Kathy

Arr you ready for Talk Like a Pirate Day?

September 19, 2014

Shiver me timbers, it’s Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Make sure ye’ve got some buried treasure waiting for ye in retirement, Matey. Parlay with our Retirement Estimator to dig up how much you can expect in retirement bounty. The Estimator will have ye cheering “yo ho ho!”

• you received at least one half of your support from your deceased child.

Build the retirement of your dreams

September 16, 2014

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” -Henry David Thoreau

Let Social Security help you build a foundation for the retirement of your dreams. Start planning now by creating a free my Social Security account. Review and monitor your earnings, get benefit estimates, and more!

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15, 2014

Today marks the beginning of #HispanicHeritageMonth, a month that recognizes and celebrates Hispanic and Latino-American heritage and culture.

We’re living longer, healthier lives now. We can expect to spend more time in retirement than our parents and “abuelos” did. Social Security is important because it provides an inflation-protected benefit that lasts as long as we live.

"O say can you see..."

September 14, 2014

#OSayCanYouSee

On this day in 1814, inspired by the sight of the war-damaged flag proudly still flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Fortune Cookie Day

September 13, 2014

If you really want to see what’s in store for you in your future, we recommend creating a my Social Security account so you can see estimates of your future #retirement, #disability, and #survivors benefits.

Since it’s fortune cookie day, we also recommend General Tso chicken. It’s delicious.

9/11 - Patriot Day

September 11, 2014

On this anniversary of September 11th, we remember the victims and continue to support their families through Survivors and Disability benefits.

Social Security is more than a retirement program. It’s America’s family protection plan. If you have lost a loved one, you may be eligible for benefits. To learn more about Social Security Survivors benefits, please visit our Survivors Page.

Multilanguage Gateway

September 10, 2014

“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

— President Jimmy Carter

Social Security is proud to provide information about our programs in 18 different languages through our Multilanguage Gateway.

Happy Grandparents Day!

September 7, 2014

Happy Grandparents Day!

Make sure to let your grandparents know how much you love and appreciate them. While you’re at it, visit our online services together and show them just how easy it is for them to handle their Social Security business online and create a my Social Security account!

Kickoff your retirement right!

Good coaching and a great playbook can make all the difference for a winning team. The same is true for retirement—except you call the plays. Fail to create a sound game plan, and you’ll fall behind.

Don’t depend on a “Hail Mary” when it comes to retirement. Kick off planning for your future with a my Social Security account. Create an account to check the accuracy of your earnings record and to get estimates of your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September 3, 2014

Nearly 13,000 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with cancer every year. While Social Security cannot help with a cure, we can help with financial support.

Social Security benefits students

September 2, 2014

Social Security relies on school officials and teachers to help ensure qualified students receive their benefits. The information we obtain from evaluations, testing, education plans, and other important school documents, helps us determine if students qualify for benefits.

As the school year begins, we want to thank you for all the help you provide.

Happy Labor Day!

September 1, 2014

Today, on Labor Day, we pay tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength and prosperity of our country.

We honor the nearly 165 million workers currently contributing to Social Security. During your working years, you can create a my Social Security account to verify your earnings history and review the amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.